At the end of 2019, I took an important step on my academic path and successfully completed my graduation defense. Then, in the beginning of 2020, I was fortunate enough to enter the post – doctoral research station and got my own post – doctoral apartment. Although the apartment was small, it was filled with my anticipation for the future life. At that time, I was looking forward to bringing the cats from the rescue station home, providing them with a warm haven and starting a cozy daily life with them.
However, fate loves to play jokes. A sudden COVID – 19 pandemic swept across the world like a storm, disrupting my plans. In early February, I returned to Beijing. During the quarantine period, I didn’t idle around. I carefully cleaned the apartment, making it clean and comfortable. At the same time, I bought a litter box, cat litter, cat food, toys, and food bowls, making full preparations for welcoming the cats. However, at that time, the national epidemic situation was extremely severe, and strict control measures were implemented everywhere. I couldn’t enter the cat shed. In desperation, I could only turn to the aunt at the cat shed for help. The aunt was very kind – hearted. She helped put Guaiguai into the cat carrier and brought it to the meeting place we agreed on. Finally, on the morning of February 25th, I successfully brought Guaiguai home.
As soon as Guaiguai entered the house, I started to bathe and deworm it. It was really so obedient that it made my heart ache. When taking a bath, although it was reluctant, it just meowed softly and never scratched people. After taking a bath and being dried with a hair dryer, it got into my quilt on its own and carefully licked its fur. Just like that, I officially became a cat – litter – cleaner and started a wonderful life journey with Guaiguai.
During the days of getting along with Guaiguai, I deeply experienced the “power” of the silver – shaded cat’s hair – shedding. It was like a walking dandelion, leaving hair everywhere it went. Whenever it lay on me and kneaded, my clothes would be instantly covered with cat hair, which was quite laborious to clean. Dust – removing paper became the daily necessity that was consumed the fastest at home. I had to restock it every once in a while. Every day, I had to use the vacuum cleaner to “fight” in every corner of the house, trying to control the “flood” of cat hair.
Guaiguai’s meow is also unique. While other cats meow “meow”, it makes a “wa – wa” sound. Sometimes, it even elongates the tone like a singer. Its unique voice often makes me laugh heartily. It can be called a “sleeping master”. Every corner of the house seems to be its bed. Its sleeping posture is very interesting. It likes to cross its two front paws and hold them in front of its chest. Sometimes, it even lies on its back, sleeping soundly and being difficult to wake up no matter how much I call.
Guaiguai has an extremely gentle personality. When cutting its nails, bathing it, and cleaning its ears, although it may resist a little occasionally, it generally cooperates very well. It is as gentle as a soft girl, completely lacking the domineering of a “man”. However, some of the things it does occasionally make me feel that it is a bit cute and silly, as if not very smart. Although I often tease it, my love for it in my heart has never diminished.
In addition, Guaiguai’s love for freeze – dried food is almost fanatical. Every time I take out the freeze – dried food, it will instantly become extremely excited, circling around me non – stop, meowing “wa – wa” and impatiently wanting to taste the delicious food. Looking at its eager appearance, I always can’t help but laugh.
The days spent with Guaiguai, although there are some troubles due to its hair – shedding and some small habits, are more filled with endless joy and warmth. Its existence adds a special color to my busy scientific research life and becomes a comfort to my soul. Every moment spent with it has become a precious memory in my life, and I cherish the special bond with Guaiguai even more.
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